Don't know if this has been posted yet...but... Report: Ford to make himself available for NBA draft April 29, 2003 HOUSTON (AP) -- Texas sophomore All-America point guard T.J. Ford plans to make himself available for the NBA draft, it was reported Tuesday night. Houston television station KRIV said sources close to the Longhorns program told it Ford would hold a news conference Thursday in Austin to make the plans official. ``I cannot confirm that for you,'' Texas basketball spokesman Scott McConnell told The Associated Press on Tuesday night. He said no news conference has been scheduled ``as of yet.'' He said nothing would be announced Tuesday night concerning a news conference or Ford's future. During the season, Ford said he was ''110 percent sure'' he would return for his junior season but began hinting that he might leave for the NBA when the season ended. Ford led the Longhorns to their first Final Four appearance in 56 years. He won the John R. Wooden Award and the Naismith Award, both college basketball player of the year honors. Ford led the team in five statistical categories this season -- including scoring average (15.0 points) and assists (7.7). He recorded nine double-digit assist performances last season and 24 in his two-year career. His 527 assists ranks second on Texas' career list. http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-ford-nba&prov=ap&type=lgns
He probably would have turned pro if he hadn't got hurt in that pick-up game, but that must have cinched it for him. In the blink of an eye it could be over, along with millions of dollars why risk it. He is making the right decision.
Thanks for telling us that you were 110% sure you were staying. I applaud anyone who can leave early or skip college altogether, but don't ****ing lie to me, *******. Yes, the therapy is working.
Well his lie kept the team from being distracted on the way to the final four. However a lie is still a lie, no matter how you spin it.
Exactly. Say, I haven't thought about it yet, or that you don't care to think about things like that during the season. Don't tell the fans and everyone else that you're 110% not going pro. Jerk.
I guess he needed to be 111% to come back. He is ready...not as a jump shooter, but more then ready as a PG. The Rocks should trade Mobley for the right to draft him...this would make us instantly top 4 in the west. DD
Crap. Its bad enough he is leaving UT, but the kid isnt ready to be in the NBA yet. One more year is all he needs.
well, at the time he was 110% he was staying...but he can't be expected to know the future, right? I mean, he didn't know he was going to have that injury in the pickup game, and I'm willing to bet that is what changed his mind.
I don't know...generally, 5'10", 165lb. point guards don't succeed at the next level. Adding 20 lbs of weight could hurt TJs quickness. If he isn't able to bulk up, TJ may have trouble guarding guys like Francis, Nash, Kidd, and Marbury. Not to mention the fact that his jump-shooting is a big weakness. He can improve his J, but size will be a factor. Right now, the only guy in the NBA that's smaller I think is Earl Boykins. Basically, TJ would have one more chance at glory if he stayed at the University next year. He'd be on every magazine cover across the country, and Texas would probably start out as preseason #1. Mouton, JT, Ivey, and Boddicker will all be seniors. Not to mention the fact that Gibson isn't due on campus until 2004. He could really help himself and this program by putting in another year.
raven.. well if i remember correctly an article was posted about how he went from 110% sure to saying the option is still opened etc..... and the article said he'd likely leave. and that was before the injury.. maybe im wrong though
If I make him on NBA Live, should I just copy Brevin Knights ratings? I can't think of any other player closer to Ford's game.
Boy, I am glad I was able to get TJ's autograph the Tuesday before the Final Four. I saw him on campus I got him to sign a page (pic of him) inside the NCAA Official Final Foul program. I had a little conversation with him as well. I told him I appreciated his unselfish play. I also told him I was a big fan of the Rockets and how I'd love to see him in a Rockets uniform because he was an unselfish player. He didn't really say anything afterwards. I'd be willing to bet the pick-up game injury influenced his decision pretty hard, thus the 110% reversal.
I think he's too little and too inexperienced for the PROS. I mean shoot, Iverson he aint! Oh well, good luck TJ. Get major paid$$
